OB Woman’s Club celebrates 100th anniversary with new brew – inauguration on June 21

by Dave Schwab / Peninsula Beacon / June 13, 2024

The Ocean Beach Woman’s Club is celebrating its centenary this year and has something very special to offer in addition to its milestone beer.

Bill DeWitt of California Wild Ales and Jim Millea, head brewer of OB Brewing, have teamed up to brew Making Waves Blonde, a centennial hop ale brewed specifically for OBWC’s centennial anniversary. The new brew will be officially dedicated on the summer solstice at OB Brewery’s rooftop bar.

“Mark June 21st on your calendars because that’s when we’ll unveil this beauty at sunset,” said Susan Winkie, OBWC spokeswoman. “Raise your glass on the longest day of the year, a perfect day to toast the long and rich legacy of the OBWC and what they have done for the Ocean Beach community.”

Winkie added, “Bill and Jim have been great partners with the OB Woman’s Club over the years, so teaming up for our 100th anniversary is a natural fit. Our club slogan ‘Making Waves Since 1924’ was the perfect beer name. Once it’s released, it will be sold exclusively at OB Brewery and California Wild Ales until it’s sold out.”

Winkie noted that 15.02% of all commemorative beer sales will benefit the work of the Women’s Club’s Philanthropy and Social Justice Committee.

DeWitt was grateful for the opportunity to help support the OBWC in toasting its centennial. “We are excited to brew a beer in honor of this monumental event,” noted DeWitt, adding, “Making Waves Blonde is not just a beer; it is a tribute to a century of social impact fostered by the Ocean Beach Women’s Club. As a father of three little girls, I work hard to ensure my children grow up in a world where their voices are not only heard, but celebrated, and shape a future where gender equality is the norm, not the exception.”

Millea spoke about the origins of Making Waves Blonde. “We talked about what style the beer should be, and Susan liked something light, so we came up with a pale ale,” he said. “I talked to Billy and Zack Brager, his brewer, and we discussed the recipe and put together something that included a hop called Centennial.”

Centennial has become one of the most respected hops since its release in 1990. Named after Washington State’s centennial anniversary, the hop is incredibly balanced and works well for bittering, flavor, aroma and dry hopping. It quickly earned the nickname Super Cascade due to its vibrant citrus and soft pine notes.

“We bounced ideas around and brewed it nicely at OB Brewery about two weeks ago,” Millea added. “We’ll be selling it in pints and it’ll probably last a whole month.”

Collaborating with other breweries to create new beers is craft brewing. “It’s such a cool industry because the people in it are very collaborative, sharing ideas and helping each other out,” Millea said, adding, “We’ve collaborated with California Wild Ales a few times in the past.”

Founded in 1924, OBWC is one of San Diego’s oldest civic and charitable groups whose purpose is to provide a place for members to socialize, help in the neighborhood and empower each other to create change and be leaders. The club received a proclamation from the city on Jan. 30, honoring its milestone anniversary and recognizing the organization for its ongoing public service and commitment to the community.

OBWC sponsors events such as hat and ping pong competitions throughout the year and solicits donations to raise funds for charitable causes. In 2023, club members nominated five nonprofit organizations to receive $1,500 each for their outstanding work serving Ocean Beach.